On3 Sports national recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong sent a bolt of recruiting news at USC fans earlier in the week when he predicted that 2026 OT Darius Gray (6-4 280) of Richmond would commit to the Gamecocks at some point. Analysts pride themselves on their commitment forecasts and don’t offer unless they feel like that have a real good read on the deal.
So, we asked Gray in a Wednesday night interview if he had made up his mind on a commitment to a school.
“No sir, I’ve not,” Gray said. “I’d say I’m at about a seven (on a decision scale of 10). I haven’t made anything public recently just because I’m trying to stay focused on football and win a state championship for my school. I think for the most part I know who I am starting to consider and who will be the top schools after this season. I think I’m getting much closer. I’m excited for it. It’s all God’s plans.”
Gray visited USC for the LSU game and is coming back for the Texas A&M game. USC coach Shane Beamer offered Gray after seeing him in camp in the eighth grade. Then offensive line coach Greg Adkins, current OL coach Lonnie Teasley, and recruiting assistant Sam Serbay, along with Beamer, have done their best since then to put the Gamecocks in a strong spot with Gray.
“Definitely when it’s time to make the decision, South Carolina will be one of the ones I’m considering,” Gray said. “I’ve been up there a lot of times, much more than any other school. Every time I go down, it gets better and better and each time. I think Mr. Wiltfong was going off of my visits and him expecting me to commit there. Like I said, South Carolina will definitely be a school I’m considering when the time is right.”
Beamer has made the family feel of his program a major attraction in recruiting. Gray has seen that personally.
“I think Coach Beamer is one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve been around since I started the recruiting process,” Gray said. “Ever since I was back in eighth grade and was at their camp, he said his only goal was to win a national championship. Each and every year he’s getting closer to beating teams like Alabama and LSU. He’s constantly right there knocking on the door. Everything he wants he’s starting to get.”
Gray also is drawn to the Gamecocks because of his strong relationship with Teasley.
“It’s great,” Gray said. “Our connection is top tier. Sometimes, the way he just talks, you’d think he was my high school coach or something. Our relationship is definitely tight. That’s family. Him, Serbay, Atkins, Beamer are all family to me. It’s real tight.”
Gray this season has also visited Virginia twice and Virginia Tech once. He is planning to visit Tennesee for the UTEP game November 23rd and Ohio State for the Michigan game the following weekend. His offer list also includes Clemson, Syracuse, Miami, Texas A&M, Alabama, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Penn State, Oklahoma, LSU, Michigan, Wisconsin, NC State, Maryland, Virginia, Mississippi State, Southern Cal, Kentucky, Duke, Missouri, Georgia, NC State, West Virginia, Indiana, Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt.
With that impressive offer list, what will separate one school from the rest in Gray’s mind?
“I think the biggest thing for me that will really separate is just seeing a bigger picture,” he said. “At the end of the day, I do want to play in the NFL and be a Hall of Famer. I think that’s my only goal. Seeing what school best fits for that position will probably be the biggest factor to me. I feel like all the schools that I’m currently considering have the family atmosphere, have the sports communication. Now, it’s just about the player development standpoint and things like that.”
You won’t go wrong with the Gamecocks,if something were to happen to you God forbid Gamecock nation will take care of you